Devices and methods for selectively providing an odor-rich environment

ABSTRACT

A device for selectively providing an odor-rich environment includes a housing and a cover. The housing includes a central cavity and a plurality of chambers configured to store a predefined fragrance therein and having a respective outlet formed on an outer wall of the housing. The cover includes an exterior surface having at least one vent formed on the exterior surface. The exterior surface includes an interior sidewall and an exterior sidewall forming an inner chamber that slidably engages the housing such that the cover is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. Responsive to the cover being in the open position, the at least one vent is generally adjacent to the outlet of at least one of the plurality of chambers of the housing. The odor-rich environment can assist in preventing and/or treating postoperative delirium (POD) postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and/or pain in a subject.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/305,139, filed on Mar. 8, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

This invention was made with government support under by Grant Nos.R01GM088801, R01AG041274, and R01HD 086977 from National Institutes ofHealth, Bethesda, Md. The United States Government has certain rights inthe invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to selectively providing anodor-rich environment and, more particularly, to devices and methods forselectively providing an odor-rich environment for assisting inpreventing and/or treating postoperative delirium and/or postoperativecognitive dysfunction, and pain.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium (“POD”) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction(“POCD”)—common post-operative complications—have become an importantclinical consideration in the field of geriatric medicine. Thepathogenesis of POD and POCD and targeted interventions, effectivetreatment, and prevention regimens are still largely unknown. POCD andPOD are associated with postoperative pain.

Delirium, an acute, transient, fluctuating disturbance in attention,cognition and consciousness level, is associated with short- andlong-term mortality and morbidity, dementia, and deterioration inquality of life. POD is a common postoperative complication, occurringin as many as about 15-53% of postoperative patients, and can lead to anabout 2-20 fold increase in mortality, long term functional impairment,postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and/or costs of medical care.

Of the more than 260 million patients who have surgeries each yearworldwide, it is estimated that one to two million individuals over theage of 65 may suffer from POCD each year in the United States alone.

Further, it is estimated that the healthcare costs associated withdelirium alone are more than $162 billion per year in the United States.As the population of older surgical patients continues to grow, it isexpected that there will be an increase in cases of POD and POCD.Moreover, recent studies have shown that children who undergo anesthesiaand surgery at an early age may have an increased risk for developed PODand/or POCD. At the present time, there is no meaningful prevention ortreatment for POD and POCD. Thus, new devices and methods are needed forpreventing and/or treating POD and POCD. The present disclosure isdirected towards addressing these and other problems.

SUMMARY

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a devicefor selectively providing an odor-rich environment comprises a housingand a cover. The housing includes a central cavity and a plurality ofchambers arranged around the periphery of the central cavity. Each ofthe plurality of chambers is configured to store one or more predefinedfragrance therein and has a respective outlet formed on an outer wall ofthe housing. The cover includes an exterior surface having a top portionand an exterior sidewall, the cover further including at least oneinterior sidewall, the at least one exterior sidewall and at least oneinterior side wall forming an outer chamber therebetween. The at leastone interior sidewall forms a generally central inner chambertherebetween. The cover also includes at least one vent formed on theexterior surface. The outer chamber is configured to slidably engage thehousing such that the cover is configured to move between an openposition and a closed position. Responsive to the cover being in theopen position, the at least one vent is generally adjacent to the outletof at least one of the plurality of chambers of the housing. Responsiveto the cover being in the closed position, the exterior surface of thehousing is generally adjacent to the respective outlet of at least oneof the plurality of chambers of the housing.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a methodfor selectively providing an odor rich environment includes providing adevice. The device includes a housing and a cover. The housing includesa central cavity and a plurality of chambers arranged around theperiphery of the central cavity. Each of the plurality of chambers has arespective outlet formed on an outer wall of the housing. At least onefragrance is housed within at least one of the plurality of chambers ofthe housing. The cover includes an exterior surface having a topportion, an exterior sidewall, and at least one interior sidewall. Theexterior sidewall and the interior side wall forming an outer chambertherebetween. The interior sidewall forms a generally central innerchamber therebetween. The cover further includes at least one ventformed on the exterior surface. The outer chamber is configured toslidably engage the housing. The cover is moved to an open position suchthat the at least one vent is generally adjacent to the respectiveoutlet of at least one of the plurality of chambers of the housing,thereby causing the at least one fragrance of at least one of theplurality of chambers to be emitted through the at least one vent and atleast one respective outlet.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a methodfor reducing or preventing postoperative delirium, postoperativecognitive dysfunction, and pain of a subject includes administering anodor-rich environment comprising one or more preselected fragrances tothe subject prior to and after the subject being administeredanesthesia. This odor-rich environment can be combined with displayingpictures, virtual reality scenery, videos, and/or brain stimulationgames to challenge brain function.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the device andmethods in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into thisspecification, illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of theinventions and, together with the detailed description, serve to explainthe principles and applications of these inventions. The drawings anddetailed description are illustrative and are intended to facilitate anunderstanding of the inventions and their application without limitingthe scope of the inventions. The illustrative embodiments can bemodified and adapted without departing from the spirit and scope of theinventions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for selectively providing anodor-rich environment according to implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 with a portionremoved for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a housing of the device of FIG. 1 witha portion removed for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the housing of FIGS. 1 and 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a cover of the device of FIG. 1 with aportion removed for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the cover of FIGS. 1 and 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a base of the device of FIG. 1 with aportion removed for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of the base of FIGS. 1 and 5A;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 1showing a push-push mechanism;

FIG. 6B is another cross-sectional perspective view of the push-pushmechanism of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the cover ina closed position;

FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 1 and7A;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the cover inthe open position;

FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 1 and8A;

FIG. 9 is a top cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 10A-10F depicts a series of experimental results for a block testfor a control study and an interventional study according to someaspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a graph of experimental results for a Barnes maze test froma control study according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a graph of experimental results for the Barnes maze test ofFIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is another graph of experimental results for the Barnes mazetest of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D is yet another graph of experimental results for the Barnesmaze test of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a graph of experimental results for a Barnes maze test foran interventional study according to some aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 12B is a graph of experimental results for the Barnes maze test ofFIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C is another graph of experimental results for the Barnes mazetest of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 12D is yet another graph of experimental results for the Barnesmaze test of FIG. 12A; and

FIG. 13 is a graph of experimental results for an incisional pain testaccording to some aspects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, and some representative embodiments have been shownby way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. It should be understood, however, that the inventive aspects ofthe disclosure are not limited to the particular forms disclosed.Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The devices and methods described herein have been shown to create anenriched environment that may attenuate anesthesia/surgery-inducedcognitive impairment, delirium, and pain. Preliminary data hassurprisingly shown that stimulation of a patient's olfactory function bysmelling a different scent(s) attenuates the cognitive impairmentinduced by surgery under anesthesia in laboratory animals. Thepreliminary data has also shown that providing an enriched environmentcan reduce a postoperative patient's pain. The devices and methodsdescribed herein are directed to providing an enriched environment forproviding these and other therapeutic and/or prognostic benefits inassociation with personalized medical prevention and treatment, e.g.,for POD, POCD, and/or pain.

Generally referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a device 100 for selectivelyproviding an odor rich environment includes a housing 110, a cover 130,a base 150, and a push-push mechanism 160. In some embodiments, thedevice 100 is portable and may be hand-held. Generally, the device 100is used to selectively emit at least one fragrance stored in the housing110 when the cover 130 is in an open position, thereby providing anodor-rich environment. The odor-rich environment can be used to assistin preventing and/or treating postoperative delirium (POD), cognitivedysfunction (POCD), and/or pain in a subject.

Referring to FIG. 2, the housing 110 includes a base portion 112, aninner sidewall 114, a central cavity 116, an outer sidewall 118, and aplurality of chambers 120. The inner sidewall 114 extends from the baseportion 112 and has an inner surface 115 a and an outer surface 115 b.The central cavity 116 is defined by the inner surface 115 a of theinner sidewall 114. The outer sidewall 118 extends from the base portion112 and has an inner surface 119 a and an outer surface 119 b. As shown,the inner sidewall 114 and the outer sidewall 118 each have a generallycylindrical configuration and are generally concentric. Further, theouter sidewall 118 has a diameter that is substantially equal to adiameter of the base portion 112 and greater than a diameter of theinner sidewall 114.

Each of the plurality of chambers 120 is formed by the outer surface 115b of the inner sidewall 114, the inner surface 119 a of the outersidewall 118, and a plurality of partitions 124. Each of the pluralityof chambers 120 is generally sized and shaped to store a fragrance (notshown) therein. As shown, each of the plurality of chambers 120 isradially distributed around the periphery of the central cavity 116. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the plurality of partitions 124 aregenerally evenly spaced relative to one another such that each of theplurality of chambers 120 has substantially the same volume.Alternatively, the plurality of partitions 124 can be spaced relative toone another such that one or more of the plurality of chambers 120 has adifferent volume than a different one of the plurality of chambers 120.While the plurality of chambers 120 is depicted as being nine chambers,any number of chambers is possible, such as, for example, two chambers,three chambers, six chambers, twelve chambers, fifteen chambers, twentychambers, forty chambers, etc.

Each of the plurality of chambers 120 includes a respective outletformed on the outer sidewall 118. The respective outlet 128 of each ofthe plurality of chambers 120 facilitates fluid communication betweeneach of the plurality of chambers 120 and an exterior of the housing110. As shown, the respective outlet 128 of each of the plurality ofchambers 120 has a generally rectangular configuration; however,alternative configurations are possible, such as, but not limited to, acircular configuration, a triangular configuration, a polygonalconfiguration, any combination thereof, or the like. The size of therespective outlet 128 of each of the plurality of chambers 120 isproportional to the amount of air that is exchanged between theplurality of chambers 120 and an exterior of the housing 110 via theoutlet 128. In some embodiments, the size of the respective outlets 128is selected based on how much fragrance is desired to be emitted fromthe device 100, the concentration of the fragrance, combinationsthereof, or the like.

The base portion 112, the inner sidewall 114, the outer sidewall 118,and the plurality of partitions 124 of the housing 110 can be made froma metal material, a polymer material, an organic material (e.g., wood),any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. Further, asshown, the base portion 112, the inner sidewall 114, the outer sidewall118, and the plurality of partitions 124 are unitary and/or monolithicelements. However, other mechanisms for attaching the base portion 112,the inner sidewall 114, the outer sidewall 118, and the plurality ofpartitions 124 are contemplated, such as, for example, a weldedconnection, an adhesive or glue connection, a pin and aperture system,tabs, or the like.

Further, while the base portion 112, the inner sidewall 114, and theouter sidewall 118 are depicted as having generally cylindricalconfigurations, any other configurations are possible, such as, forexample, a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, apolygonal configuration, any combinations thereof, or the like. In someembodiments, the outer sidewall 118 of the housing and the base portion112 has a diameter that is between about two inches and about twentyinches. For example, in some implementations, the base portion 112 andthe outer sidewall 118 have a diameter that is about six and one-halfinches. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall 114 and the outersidewall 118 have a height that is between about one inch and about teninches. For example, in some implementations, the inner sidewall 114 andthe outer sidewall 118 have a height that is about three and one-halfinches.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cover 130 includes a top portion 132,an interior sidewall 134, an exterior sidewall 136, and a plurality ofvents 144. The top portion 132 includes an exterior surface 133 a and aninterior surface 133 b. The interior sidewall 134 extends from theinterior surface 133 b of the top portion 132 and has an inner surface135 a and an outer surface 135 b. Similarly, the exterior sidewall 136extends from the interior surface 133 b of the top portion 132 and hasan inner surface 137 a and an outer surface 137 b. As shown, theinterior sidewall 134 and the exterior sidewall 136 both have agenerally cylindrical configuration and are generally concentric, andthe exterior sidewall 136 has a diameter that is substantially equal toa diameter of the top portion 132 and greater than a diameter of theinterior sidewall 134.

The inner surface 135 a of the interior sidewall 134 defines an innerchamber 138 of the cover 130. Similarly, the outer surface 135 b of theinterior sidewall 134 and the inner surface 137 a of the exteriorsidewall 136 form an outer chamber 142 that is sized and shaped toreceive a portion of the housing 110 therein. As shown, the innersurface 135 a of the interior sidewall 134 includes a pair ofprotrusions 140 extending into the inner chamber 138. The pair ofprotrusions 140 have a general “U”-shape configuration, although anyother configuration is possible (e.g., a generally “V”-shapeconfiguration, a generally polygonal shape configuration, or the like).Further, while illustrated embodiment is depicted as having twoprotrusions, any number of protrusions is possible, such as, forexample, one protrusion, four protrusions, six protrusions, etc.

As shown, the plurality of vents 144 is formed on the exterior sidewall136 of the cover 130. Each of the plurality of vents 144 facilitatesfluid communication between the outer chamber 142 and an exterior of thecover 130. Each of the plurality of vents 144 has a generallyrectangular configuration and is generally evenly spaced relative to theother of the plurality of vents 144 along the outer surface 137 a of theexterior sidewall 136 of the cover 130. Further, in the illustratedembodiment, each of the plurality of vents 144 is substantially the samesize and shape as the outlet 128 of each of the plurality of chambers120 of the housing 110. In other embodiments, each of the plurality ofvents 144 can have a shape, configuration, and/or size that is differentfrom another one of the plurality of vents 144, or a shape,configuration, and/or size that is different from the shape,configuration, and/or size of the respective outlet 128 of each of theplurality of chambers 120 of the housing 110.

While the plurality of vents 144 is shown has having three vents, anynumber of vents is possible, such as, for example, one vent, six vents,ten vents, twenty vents, etc. Further, while the plurality of vents 144is shown as being evenly spaced along the outer surface 137 a of theexterior sidewall 136, the plurality of vents 144 can be positionedrelative to one another such that a distance along the outer surface 137a of the exterior sidewall 136 between a first one of the plurality ofvents 144 and a second one of the plurality of vents 144 is greater thana distance between the second one of the plurality of vents 144 and athird one of the plurality of vents 144.

The top portion 132, the interior sidewall 134, and the exteriorsidewall 136 can be made from a metal material, a polymer material, anorganic material (e.g., wood), any other suitable material, or anycombination thereof. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the topportion 132, the interior sidewall 134, and the exterior sidewall 136are unitary and/or monolithic elements. However, other mechanisms forattaching the top portion 132, the interior sidewall 134, and theexterior sidewall 136 are possible, such as, for example, a weldedconnection, an adhesive or glue connection, a pin and aperture system,tabs, or the like.

While the top portion 132, the interior sidewall 134, and the exteriorsidewall 136 are depicted as having generally cylindricalconfigurations, any other configurations are possible, such as, forexample, a rectangular configuration, a triangular configuration, apolygonal configuration, any combination thereof, or the like. In someembodiments, the exterior sidewall 136 and the top portion 132 have adiameter that is between about two inches and about twenty inches. Forexample, in some implementations, the top portion 132 and the exteriorsidewall 136 have a diameter that is about six and one-half inches. Insome embodiments, the interior sidewall 134 and the exterior sidewall136 have a height that is between about one inch and about ten inches.For example, in some implementations, the interior sidewall 134 and theexterior sidewall 136 have a height that is about three and one-halfinches.

The top portion 132 of the cover 130 can also optionally include aplurality of apertures 146 extending between the interior surface 133 band the exterior surface 133 a of the top portion 132. In suchimplementations, the plurality of apertures 146 are sized and shapedsuch that a light (not shown) disposed or partially disposed within theinner chamber 138 of the cover 130 is visible from the exterior surface133 a of the top portion 132. The light can be, for example, a lightemitting diode (“LED”). Each light can be powered by a power supply (notshown) and controlled by a processor and/or memory (not shown) that isdisposed within the inner chamber 138 of the cover 130. Alternatively,each light can be powered by an external power source. The lights can beused to provide visual stimulation to a subject, indicate a rotatedposition of the cover 130 relative to the housing 110, or the like.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the outer chamber 142 of the cover 130is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the housing 110 therein.Specifically, the inner surface 137 a of the exterior sidewall 136 ofthe cover 130 slidably engages the outer surface 119 a of the outersidewall 118 of the housing 110, and the outer surface 135 b of theinterior sidewall 134 of the cover slidably engages the inner surface115 a of the inner sidewall 114 of the housing 110. Thus, the cover 130can move up and down relative to the housing 110 and/or rotate relativeto the housing 110.

Referring to FIG. 4, the base 150 includes a central cavity 152, a pairof recesses 154, and a push-rod support 156. The base 150 has agenerally cylindrical configuration, an inner generally vertical surface151 a, and an outer generally vertical surface 15 lb. The pair ofrecesses 154 extends into the central cavity 152 and have a generally“U”-shaped configuration that is adapted to mate with (i.e., begenerally flush with) the pair of protrusions 140 of the cover 130. Thepush-rod support 156 extends from or is coupled with a bottom innersurface 157 of the base 150. The base 150 has a generally cylindricalconfiguration and can be made of a metal material, a polymer material,an organic material (e.g., wood), any other suitable material, or anycombination thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the push-push mechanism 160 includes apush rod 162, a biasing spring 168, a cam follower 170, and a cam 172.The push rod 162 has a first end 164 a and a second end 164 b. The firstend 164 a of the push rod 162 is coupled to a pivot point 166 that isformed on or coupled with the push-rod support 156 of the base 150. Thepivot point 166 is configured to permit the push rod 162 to rotate aboutthe pivot point 166. The second end 164 b of the push rod 162 is coupledto the cam follower 170, which extends from the push rod 162 and has agenerally cylindrical configuration. The push rod 162 can be made of ametal material, a polymer material, any other suitable material, or anycombination thereof.

The cam 172 includes an open face 174, a bottom surface 176, and a campath 178. The cam 172 is extends from and/or is coupled with theinterior surface 133 b of the top portion 132 of the cover 130 andextends into the inner chamber 138 of the cover 130. As shown, the cam172 and the top portion 132 of the cover 130 are unitary and/ormonolithic. However, various mechanisms for coupling the cam 172 to thetop portion 132 of the cover 130 are possible, such as, for example, anadhesive connection, a welded connection, a threaded connection, a pinand aperture system, any other suitable connection, or any combinationthereof.

The cam path 178 is formed on the open face 174 of the cam 172 and has agenerally diamond-shaped configuration, although other configurationsare possible, such as, for example, a generally oval configuration, agenerally circular configuration, or the like. As best shown in FIG. 6Cthe cam path 178 includes a first corner 182, a second corner 184, a toprecess 186, a third corner 188, a fourth corner 190, and a bottom recess192. The cam follower 170 is sized and shaped to slidably engage the campath 178.

As shown, the biasing spring 168 is positioned between the push-rodsupport 156 of the base 150 and the bottom surface 176 of the cam 172.The biasing spring 168 urges the cam 172 and, thus, the cover 130 awayfrom the base 150 (i.e., in the opposite direction of arrow A) andresists movement of the cover 130 towards the base 150. The springconstant of the biasing spring 168 can be varied to provide a desiredlevel of resistance.

While the cam 172 of the push-push mechanism 160 is described above asbeing formed on or coupled with the cover 130, and the pivot point 166is described as being formed on or coupled with the base 150, in someimplementations, the device 100 includes a push-push mechanism whereinthe cam 172 is coupled to the base 150 and the pivot point 166 is formedon the cover 130. In such implementations, the push-push mechanismoperates in the same or similar manner as the push-push mechanism 160.

As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the base 150 is disposed within theinner chamber 138 of the cover 130. The pair of protrusions 140 of theinterior sidewall 134 of the cover 130 slidably engage the pair ofrecesses 154 of the base 150, thereby substantially preventing rotationof the base 150 relative to the cover 130, and vice versa. The slidableengagement of the pair of protrusions 140 and the pair of recesses 154permits the cover 130 to move up and down relative to the base 150,which remains generally stationary. As described above, the push-pushmechanism 160 is disposed within the central cavity 152 of the base andthe inner chamber 138 of the cover 130.

In some implementations, the base 150 can include a pair of protrusions(not shown) and the cover 130 can include a pair of recesses (notshown). In the configuration, the pair of protrusions of the base 150engages the pair of recesses of the cover 130 in the same or similarmanner as the pair of protrusions 140 and pair of recesses 154 describedabove. Alternatively, any other suitable mechanism can be used torelative rotation of the base 150 relative to the cover 130, and viceversa, while permitting the cover 130 to move up and move relative tothe base.

Generally referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cover 130 is shown in aclosed position. In the closed position, the inner surface 137 a of theexterior sidewall 136 of the cover 130 substantially overlaps the outlet128 of each of the plurality of chambers 120 (FIG. 7B), therebyinhibiting or preventing fluid communication between the plurality ofchambers 120 and an exterior of the device 100.

As best shown in FIG. 6A, when the cover 130 is in the closed position,the cam follower 170 of the push-push mechanism 160 engages the toprecess 186 of the cam path 178 (FIG. 6C). The biasing spring 168 urgesthe cam 172, and thus the top recess 186, away from the base 150. As aresult, the biasing spring 168 causes the top recess 186 to apply aforce to the cam follower in the opposite direction of arrow A, which,in turn, applies the same force to the push rod 162. Because the pushrod 162 is coupled to the base 150, which remains stationary relative tothe cover 130, the push rod 162 inhibits or prevents further movement ofthe cam 172 away from the base 150. Thus, the interaction between thebiasing spring 168 and the cam 172 and the interaction between the pushrod 162 and the base 150, aid in generally maintaining the cover 130 inthe closed position.

Generally referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cover 130 is shown in anopen position. In the open position, each of the plurality of vents 144of the cover 130 at least partially overlaps at least one outlet 128 ofthe plurality of chambers 120 of the housing 110. Thus, when the cover130 is in the open position, at least one of the plurality of vents 144is generally adjacent to the respective outlet 128 of at least one ofthe plurality of chambers 120. In this configuration, the respectiveoutlet 128 and the at least one of the plurality of vents 144 at leastpartially overlap such that the respective one of the plurality ofchambers 120 is in fluid with an exterior of the device (e.g., theatmosphere), thereby permitting air to be exchanged between the at leastone of the plurality of chambers 120 and the exterior of the device 100.

When the cover 130 is in the open position, the cover 130 can be rotatedrelative to the housing 110. Referring to FIG. 9, the cover 130 is shownin a first rotated position wherein each of the plurality of vents 144substantially overlaps an outlet 128 of a respective one of theplurality of chambers 120 of the housing 110. As the cover 130 rotatestowards a second rotated position in the direction of arrow B, each ofthe plurality of vents 144 rotates relative to the outlet 128 itsubstantially overlapped in the first rotated position. When the cover130 is rotated in the direction of arrow B and away from the firstrotated position shown in FIG. 9, each of the plurality of vents 144rotates relative to the housing 110 and partially overlaps therespective outlets 128 of two of the plurality of chambers 120. In thisposition, six of the plurality of chambers 120 are in fluidcommunication with the exterior of the device 100. As the cover 130continues to rotate relative to the housing 110, each of the pluralityof vents 144 substantially overlaps the respective outlet 128 of one ofthe plurality of chambers 120 directly adjacent to the respective outlet128 that it substantially overlapped in the prior rotated position. Inthis manner, a user can rotate the cover 130 such that the plurality ofvents 144 substantially completely overlaps the respective outlet 128 ofthree of the plurality of chambers 120, or partially overlaps therespective outlet 128 of six of the plurality of chambers 120.

As best shown in FIG. 6B, when the cover 130 is in the open position,the cam follower 170 of the push-push mechanism 160 engages the bottomrecess 192 of the cam path 178. The biasing spring 168 urges the cam 172and, thus, the bottom recess 192 of the cam path 178, away from the base150. As a result, the biasing spring 168 causes the bottom recess 192 toapply a force on the cam follower 170 in the direction of arrow A which,in turn, applies the same force to the push rod 162. Because the pushrod 162 is formed on or coupled with the base 150, which remainsgenerally stationary relative to the cover 130, the push rod 162 and thecam follower 170 substantially prevent further movement of the cam 172away from the base 150. Thus, the interaction between the biasing spring168 and the cam 172 and the interaction between the push rod 162 and thebase 150 aid in maintaining the cover 130 in the open position.

To transition the cover 130 from the closed position to the openposition, a user may apply a force on the cover 130 in the direction ofarrow A, or the base 150 in the opposite direction of arrow A. The forcecompresses the biasing spring 168 of the push-push mechanism 160 andmoves the cover 130 and, thus, the cam 172, towards the base 150. Withthe biasing spring 168 in a compressed position, the bottom recess 192moves away from the base 150 and disengages the cam follower 170. Thecam follower 170 then engages the third corner 188 of the cam path 178.When the force is removed from the cover 130, the biasing spring 168urges the cam 172 away from the base 150. Due to this movement of thecam 172, the cam follower 170 moves adjacent to the fourth corner 190,and the biasing spring 168 urges the cam 172 in the opposite directionof arrow A such that the cam follower 170 moves along the cam path 178towards the bottom recess 192. As the cam follower 170 moves along thecam path 178, the push rod 162 pivots about the pivot point 166 on thebase 150. The cam follower 170 then engages the bottom recess 192,causing the cover 130 to be in the open position, as shown in FIG. 6B.

The push-push mechanism 160 transitions the cover 130 from the openposition to the closed position in a similar manner. With the cover 130in the open position, the same force described above for transitioningthe cover 130 from the closed position to the open position is applied.The force compresses the biasing spring 168, which causes the cam 172and, thus, the bottom recess 192, to move away from the base 150,causing the bottom recess 192 to disengage the cam follower 170. The camfollower 170 then engages the first corner 182 of the cam path 178. Whenthe force is removed from the cover 130 or the base 150, the biasingspring 168 urges the cam 172 away from the base 150, causing the camfollower 170 to move past the second corner 184 and move along the campath 178. The cam follower 170 then engages the top recess 186 asdescribed above, causing the cover 130 to be in the closed position.

While the cover 130 is described above as being transitioned between theopen position and the closed position via the push-push mechanism 160,other mechanisms for transitioning and/or maintaining the cover 130 inthe open and closed positions are possible. For example, the device 100can include a touch/push latch, a cam and plunger mechanism (e.g.,similar to a click pin), any combination thereof, or the like thattransitions the cover between the open and closed positions. Further, insome implementations, rather than slidably engaging the housing 110 andthe cover 130, the housing 110 and cover 130 can be coupled by athreaded connection. In such implementations, the respective outlets 128of the plurality of chambers 120 and/or of the plurality of vents 144can be arranged in an ascending stair-case like arrangement. As thecover 130 and/or housing 110 is rotated, the cover 130 moves up or downrelative to the housing 110 via the threaded connection therebetween. Inthis manner, the cover 130 can be moved between an open position and aclosed position, and fragrances stored in the plurality of chambers 120can be emitted in a similar fashion as described above.

As described above, each of the plurality of chambers 120 of the housingis sized and shaped to store a predefined fragrance therein. Thepredefined fragrance can be scented oil, scented paper, one or morescented beads, incense, potpourri, other active aerosol ingredients,other aromatic ingredients, any combination thereof, or the like. Forexample, the predefined fragrance stored in each of the plurality ofchambers 120 of the housing 110 can be one or more of the followingfragrances: rose, peppermint, vanilla, ketchup, yeast extract, coffee,onion, dried fungus, soy sauce, strawberry, ginger, pu-erh tea, cumin,honey, olive oil, chocolate, shrimp, sausage, cucumber, apple, tomato,banana, celery, walnut, garlic, cinnamon, date, white pepper, sweetpotato, peppercorn oil, caraway, vinegar, kiwi, shallot, brown sugar,grape, pear, curry, eggplant, fig, carrot, leak, or any combinationthereof, or the like.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of chambers 120 ofthe housing is nine chambers, and the plurality of vents 144 of thecover 130 is three vents. Referring FIG. 9, by way of example, a firstfragrance 210 is disposed in a first chamber 120 a, a second fragrance220 is disposed in a second chamber 120 b, a third fragrance 230 isdisposed in a third chamber 120 c, a fourth fragrance 240 is disposed ina fourth chamber 120 d, a fifth fragrance 250 is disposed in a fifthchamber 120 e, a sixth fragrance 260 is disposed in a sixth chamber 120f, a seventh fragrance 270 is disposed in a seventh chamber 120 g, aneighth fragrance 280 is disposed in an eighth chamber 120 h, and a ninthfragrance 290 is disposed in a ninth chamber 120 i. Each of thefragrances 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and 290 can be thesame fragrance, a different fragrance, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 130 is in the open position and in a firstrotated position wherein the plurality of vents 144 completely overlapsthe respective outlet 128 of the first chamber 120 a, the fourth chamber120 d, and the seventh chamber 120 g. As described above, in thisconfiguration, the fragrances 210, 240, and 270 are emitted from therespective outlets 128 and the plurality of vents 144 to the exterior ofthe device 100. Thus, in the first rotated position shown in FIG. 9, afirst fragrance combination which is a combination of fragrances 210,240, and 270, is radially distributed around the device 100, therebyforming an odor rich environment.

As described above, as the cover 130 is rotated in the direction ofarrow B relative to the housing 110 towards a second rotated position,the plurality of vents 144 are positioned between two of the pluralityof chambers 120. Specifically, in this rotated position, (i) a first oneof the plurality of vents 144 partially overlaps the respective outletsof the first chamber 120 a and the second chamber 120 b, (ii) a secondone of the plurality of vents 144 partially overlaps the respectiveoutlets of the fourth chamber 120 d and the fifth chamber 120 e, and(iii) a third one of the plurality of vents 144 partially overlaps therespective outlets of the seventh chamber 120 g and the eighth chamber120 h. In this configuration, the fragrances 210, 220, 240, 250, 270,and 280 are emitted to the exterior of the device 100. Thus, in thisrotated position, a second fragrance combination, which is a combinationof fragrances 210, 220, 240, 250, 270, and 280, is radially distributedaround the device 100.

By continuing to rotate the cover 130 in the direction of arrow D in themanner described above, up to six preselected fragrance combinations canbe emitted from the device 100, depending on the rotated position of thecover 130 relative to the housing 110. Specifically, the six preselectedfragrance combinations include: (1) the first preselected fragrancecombination described above (the combination of fragrances 210, 240, and270); (2) the second preselected fragrance combination described above(the combination of fragrances 210, 220, 240, 250, 270, and 280); (3) athird preselected fragrance combination which is a combination offragrances 220, 250, and 280; (4) a fourth preselected fragrancecombination which is a combination of fragrances 220, 230, 250, 260,280, and 290; (5) a fifth preselected fragrance combination which is acombination of fragrances 230, 260, and 290; and (6) a sixth preselectedfragrance combination which is a combination of fragrances 230, 240,260, 270, 290, and 210. As described above, the number of chambers inthe plurality of chambers 120 of the housing 110 and the number of ventsin the plurality of vents 144 of the cover 130 can be selected toprovide a desired number of preselected fragrance combinations.

In some implementations, the cover 130 includes a plurality of markings[[shown in FIG. 7A]] that are visible when the cover 130 is in the openposition. Each of the plurality of markings corresponds with each of theplurality of chambers 120 (e.g., a first marking corresponds with thefirst chamber 120 a). Further, in such implementations, each of theplurality of markings indicates the type of fragrance that is storedwithin the corresponding one of the plurality of chambers 120. Themarking can identify the fragrance stored in each of the plurality ofchambers 120 such that a user can rotate the cover 130 to, e.g., alignthe marking with one of the plurality of vents 144 to emit thefragrance. The markings may include words, symbols, icons, photographs,numbers, any combination thereof, or the like.

In some implementations, the device includes a housing (not shown) thatis similar to the housing 110 in that it includes a plurality ofchambers, with each of the plurality of chambers having a respectiveoutlet. However, in such implementations, the housing includes a topportion (not shown) and a plurality of sliding vents. The top portion issimilar to the cover 130 in that it inhibits fluid communication betweenan exterior of the housing and the plurality of chambers except via eachrespective outlet. Each of the plurality of sliding vents is configuredto substantially overlap each respective outlet of the plurality ofchambers and have an open position and a closed position. Each of theplurality of sliding vents is in the open position, the sliding ventdoes not overlap, or only partially overlaps, the respective outlet ofone of the plurality of chambers such that the chamber is in fluidcommunication with an exterior of the device. In other implementations,the housing can include a plurality of hinged vents configured tosubstantially overlap the outlet of each of the plurality of chambers.The plurality of hinged vents are configured to move between and openposition and a closed position via a hinge, thus aiding in permitting orinhibiting fluid communication between the plurality of chambers and theexterior of the device as described above.

In some implementations, the device 100 further includes a fan (notshown) disposed within the inner chamber 138 of the cover 130 and/or thecentral cavity 152 of the base to aid in emitting the fragrances storedwithin the plurality of chambers 120 through the respective outlets 128and the plurality of vents 144. In such implementations, the fan extendsfrom and/or is coupled with the inner surface 137 a of the top portion132 of the cover 130, or the bottom inner surface 157 of the base 150.The interior sidewall 134 of the cover includes a plurality of outlets(not shown) such that the inner chamber 138 and the outer chamber 142 ofthe cover 130 are in fluid communication with one another. Further, eachof the plurality of chambers 120 have a second outlet formed in theinner sidewall 114 of the housing such that the plurality of chambers120 are in fluid communication with the inner chamber. Thus, as thecover 130 rotates, each of the plurality of outlets of the interiorsidewall 134 at least partially overlaps one of the second outlets ofthe plurality of chambers 120. Thus, the fan forces air through theplurality of chambers 120 to aid in emitting the fragrances storedtherein from the device 100.

In some implementations, the device 100 further includes a display (notshown) for providing visual simulation and/or a speaker (not shown) forproviding audio stimulation. Generally, the display can be any devicecapable of displaying still photos or video, such as an LCD screencommonly used with smartphones. The display can be positioned in anysuitable location on the device 100, including, for example, on theexterior surface 133 b of the top portion 132 of the cover 130, on theouter surface 137 b of the exterior sidewall 136 of the cover 130, acombination thereof, or the like.

In such implementations, the device 100 can further include, forexample, a memory, a processor, a power supply, a sound system, a userinterface, and/or a communication element. The memory may store movies,music, pictures, photographs, etc. that can be displayed on the videoscreen and played through the speaker. In some embodiments, the storeddata includes photographs and/or slow moving pictures of the patient'shome. The communication element may be configured to communicate with anexternal source, such as a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone,and/or a remote server, using WiFi. Thus, the communication element canbe used to upload movies, music, pictures, photographs, softwareupdates, etc. from the external source to the memory. Patients and theirfamily members will prepare the contents of the device before thesurgery. Further still, in some implementations, the device 100 mayinclude a web camera for remote communication.

In some embodiments, patients and their family members may choose theirfavorite fragrances, movies, music, pictures, or the like and installthem into the device. The device may be configured to remotely receiveupdated music, movies, pictures, or the like from family members. Thefamily members may also send get-well cards, flower pictures, and thelike to the device or website. The device may also allow doctors,nurses, and other healthcare professionals to communicate with familymembers pre-surgery, during surgery, and/or post-surgery. Thecommunication between patient and family members may assist in reducingthe anxiety of patients, e.g., when waiting in a pre-operative holdingarea before the surgery under anesthesia, which may help to reduce POCD,POD, and/or pain.

In some implementations, the display (not shown) of the device 100 is atouchscreen and the memory includes a game, program, or application forintellectual stimulation. For example, the memory may include acalculation game that displays numbers ranging from between 1 and 14 onthe touchscreen (e.g., 6, 3, 14, 6). A user then is prompted to apply aseries of mathematical operations to these numbers, with the requirementthat the last mathematical calculation in the series yields a solutionof 24. For example, if the numbers 6, 3, 14, and 16 are displayed, theuser (i) completes a first calculation wherein 3 is subtracted from 6yielding a solution of 3, (ii) completes a second calculation wherein 6is subtracted from 14 yielding a solution of 8, and then (iii) completesa third calculation multiplying the solution of the first calculation(3) and the second calculation (8) to arrive at the desired solution of24. The device records the time that it takes the user to complete thecalculation game. It is contemplated that other types of games,programs, or applications for intellectual stimulation may alternativelyor additionally be included on the device 100.

In some embodiments, the game includes prompting the patient to identifythe fragrance or fragrance combination emitted from the device. Acorrect answer may be indicated by an icon or message on the display, asound, a combination thereof, or the like.

In some implementations, the odor-rich environment selectively providedby the device 100 can be used to assist in preventing and/or treatingpostoperative delirium (“POD”), postoperative cognitive dysfunction(“POCD”), and/or pain. To aid in preventing POD, POCD, and/orpostoperative pain, the odor-rich environment is administered to asubject prior to the subject being administered anesthesia. For example,the odor-rich environment can be administered for a period of about 14days prior to and/or about 14 days after the subject has beenadministered anesthesia. The odor-rich environment includes at least onepreselected fragrance.

In some implementations, the odor-rich environment comprises a fragrancecombination that includes a first preselected fragrance and a secondpreselected fragrance. Subsequent to administering the odor-richenvironment to the subject for a first predetermined time period, thefragrance combination can be removed and a second fragrance combinationincluding a third preselected fragrance and a fourth preselectedfragrance is provided for a second predetermined time period. The firstpredetermined time period and the second predetermined time period canbe any suitable amount of time, for example, one hour, twelve hours, oneday, two days, one week, etc. The predetermined time period(s) foradministering the odor-rich environment may be selected based on avariety of factors including, but not limited to, the type of anesthesiagiven, the patient's predisposition to pain, anxiety, stress, or thelike, the type/severity of the surgery, any combination thereof, or thelike. In one implementation, the odor-rich environment comprises adifferent fragrance or fragrance combination each day during the periodof 14 days prior and 14 days after the subject being administeredanesthesia. The device 100 described above, or any other suitabledevice, can be used to provide the odor-rich environment.

The device and methods described herein may be used to provide enrichedstimulation (ES) for patients and may stimulate patient brain functionto assist in reducing, preventing, and/or treating POCD and/or PODand/or to reduce pain. In one implementation, a pair of devices (i.e.,two devices) may be given to a patient during his or her preoperativevisit to the pre-admission office. The two devices may have a directvoice/video call function to one another.

In some implementations, audio simulation, video simulation, and/orintellectual stimulation can also be administered to the subject tofurther assist in reducing, preventing, and/or treating POD, POCD,and/or postoperative pain. The audio stimulation, video stimulation,and/or intellectual stimulation can include enabling a patient to listento music, watch movies, view photos, play a calculation game, or thelike, or any combination thereof. The audio and video stimulation canfurther include communication with family members, doctors, nurses,and/or other persons. In some implementations, the device administeringthe odor-rich environment, includes the display, speaker, communicationelement, etc. can be used to provide the audio and video stimulation.

The Examples described below are intended to illustrate certain aspectsof the invention to one of ordinary skill in the art and should not beinterpreted as limiting the scope of the invention set forth in theclaims.

Experimental Setup

To show that odor-enrichment can assist in reducing or preventing POD,POCD, and/or pain, three studies were performed: a control study, aninterventional study, and an incisional study.

In both studies, four-month old female mice were housed in a controlledenvironment for seven days prior to being exposed to the proceduresdescribed below. The environment had an ambient temperature of about20-22° C. and about 12 hours of light/dark on a reversed light cycle.Female mice were employed because olfactory impairment and Alzheimer'sdisease dementia occur more frequently in female patients.

In the interventional group, twenty mice were assigned to anodor-enrichment group and ten mice were assigned to a control group. Themice in the odor-enrichment group were exposed to two differentfragrances which were placed in a cassette hanging from the cover ofstandard breeding cages for 24 hours daily for 21 days. Although notintended to be limiting, common fragrances used in the experiments oneach day are listed in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Day Odorants Day Odorants  1 Rose, peppermint 12 Celery, walnut 2 Vanilla, ketchup 13 Garlic, cinnamon  3 Yeast extract, coffee 14Date, white pepper  4 Onion, dried fungus 15 Sweet potato, peppercornoil  5 Soysauce, strawberry 16 Caraway, vinegar  6 Ginger, pu-erh tea 17Kiwi, shallot  7 Cumin, honey 18 Brown sugar, grape  8 Olive oil,chocolate 19 Pear, curry  9 Shrimp, sausage 20 Eggplant, fig 10Cucumber, apple 21 Carrot, leak 11 Tomato, banana

The mice in the control group were treated with the same conditions asthe mice in the odor-enrichment group, except the cassette did notcontain any odorants. All mice were allowed access to food and water adlibitum.

In both studies, the mice in either the control group or theodor-enrichment group were further randomly assigned to ananesthesia/surgery group or a sham group. In the intervention study,this was done after the mice in the odor-enrichment group were exposedto the odor-enrichment for 21 days.

For the mice in the anesthesia/surgery group, anesthesia was induced andmaintained with about 1.4% isoflurance in about 100% oxygen in atransparent acrylic chamber (“anesthesia chamber”). Fifteen minutesafter anesthesia was induced, the mice were removed from the anesthesiachamber and anesthesia was maintained via a cone device. A longitudinalmidline incision was made from the xiphoid to the 0.5 centimeterproximal pubic symphysis on the skin, abdominal muscles, and peritoneum.Then, the incision was sutured layer by layer with 5-0 Vicryl thread. Atthe end of the procedure, EMLA cream (2.5% lidocaine and 2.5%prilocaine) was applied to the incision wound.

The procedure for each mouse lasted approximately ten minutes. After theprocedure, each mouse was placed back in the anesthesia chamber for upto two hours to receive the rest of the anesthesia of about 1.4%isoflurane in about 100% oxygen. After recovering from the anesthesia,the mice in the anesthesia/surgery group were returned to a home cagewith food and water available ad libitum. EMLA cream was applied everyeight hours for three days to treat the pain associated with theincision.

During the procedures on the anesthesia/surgery group of mice, the shamgroup mice were placed in a home cage with food and water available adlibitum with room air for about two hours, which is consistent with thecondition of non-surgery in humans.

Example 1—Block Test

In both studies, two days prior to performing the procedure on theanesthesia/surgery group, each mouse was individually housed in a cleancage with five blocks for 24 hours. Each of the five blocks was labeledwith a letter (A, B, C, D, and E). Each of the blocks then gained thescent of the mouse in the cage. Generally, the block test is used toaccess olfactory function, which determines the ability of the mice todiscriminate between their own scent and that of other mice.

A baseline olfaction test was performed one day before theanesthesia/surgery procedure. Each mouse was habituated in the home cagefor one hour prior to the test. Then, four of the five blocks with thescent of the mouse were placed in the middle of the home cage for about30 seconds with one centimeter of space between each of the blocks. Thisprocedure was repeated in three trials. On a fourth trial, the procedurewas repeated, except one of the original blocks was replaced with ablock containing the scent of another mouse (“a novel block”). The timethe mouse sniffed the novel block was recorded by a camera. Olfactoryimpairment is defined when the mouse spends a reduced percentage of timeto sniff the novel block.

Following the anesthesia/surgery procedure, the procedure was repeatedat 1, 2, 3, and 11 days after the anesthesia surgery. As shown in FIGS.10A-10C, in the control study, the mice in the anesthesia/surgery groupsniffed the novel block for a significantly less amount of time than themice in the sham group on days 1, 2, and 3 following theanesthesia/surgery or sham condition. The data suggests thatanesthesia/surgery may impair short-term olfactory function in mice.

As shown in FIGS. 10D-10F, in the interventional study, theanesthesia/surgery did not significantly reduce the amount of time themice sniffed the novel block as compared to sham condition. Thus, theresults indicate that anesthesia/surgery did not induce olfactoryimpairment in the mice exposed to odor-enrichment for about 21 days.

Example 2—Barnes Maze Test

A Barnes maze is a circular open platform (having a diameter of about 90centimeters) with 20 equally spaced holes. One of these holes connectswith an escape box, which is a small, dark recessed chamber. A videocamera hangs above the platform to record activity occurring on theplatform. The Barnes maze was surrounded by a dark curtain with 4 simplecolored-paper shapes (square, circle, triangle and star) as markers. TheBarnes maze was located in a quiet area.

In both studies, the Barnes maze test consisted of three phases:habituation (day 6 after the anesthesia/surgery), spatial learning(training days, day 7 to 10 after the anesthesia/surgery), and spatialmemory (testing day, day 11 after the anesthesia/surgery). Beforestarting each experiment, mice were acclimated to the testing room for 1hour. On the habituation day, each of the mice was placed directly inthe escape box for 2 minutes, then was allowed to enter the escape boxthrough the hole and remained there for 4 minutes. Finally, each mousewas placed in a cylindrical black start chamber in the middle of themaze for 10 seconds. Then, the chamber was lifted and the mouse wasmotivated to escape by the stimulation of bright light (200 watt) andaversive noise from a buzzer (85 dB), gently guiding the mouse to theescape box. Immediately after the mouse entered the escape box, thebuzzer and the light were turned off. Each mouse was allowed to remainin the escape box for 1 minute before being returned to the holdingcage.

In the training days, each of the mice was subjected to the Barnes mazeto test their spatial learning with 3 minutes per trial, 2 trials perday, and 15 minutes between each trial. Each time, the mouse was placedunder a cylindrical black start chamber in the center of the circularplatform for 10 seconds, and was motivated to escape by the stimulationof the bright light and aversive noise. Once entering into the escapehole, the buzzer and the light were turned off and the mouse was allowedto remain in the escape box for 1 minute. If the mouse did not enter theescape box within 3 minutes, the mouse would be gently guided to theescape box and left the mouse inside the escape box for 1 minute. Duringthe training days, the latency of the mouse to identify and enter theescape box was recorded.

On the testing day (day 11 after the anesthesia/surgery), the procedurewas repeated except only one trial was performed. The latency to findthe escape box, the number of wrong holes searched by the mouse beforeidentifying and entering the escape box and time spent in target zone(the quarter of the Barnes maze platform containing the escape box) wererecorded. The increase in latency to identify and enter the escape box,the increase in the number of wrong holes, and the reduction in timespent in target zone indicated cognitive impairment of the mice.

As shown in FIG. 11A, during the training phase, in the control study,the mice in the anesthesia/surgery group showed no significantdifference with respect to identifying and entering the escape box(escape latency) as compared to the mice that received the controlcondition (open circle). There was no significant correlation oftreatment (control condition and anesthesia/surgery) and times (days)and the escape latency. As shown in FIG. 11B, anesthesia/surgery (blackbar) significantly increased the latency in identifying and entering theescape box of the Barnes maze as compared to the control condition(white bar) at the testing day (about 11 days after theanesthesia/surgery) in the mice. As shown in FIG. 11C,anesthesia/surgery (black bar) significantly increased the amount ofwrong holes the mice searched before identifying and entering the escapebox as compared to the control condition (white bar) at the testing day(about 11 days after the anesthesia/surgery). As shown in FIG. 11D,anesthesia/surgery (black bar) significantly decreased the time the micespent in the target zone (containing escape box) of the Barnes maze ascompared to the control condition (white bar) at the testing day (about11 days after the anesthesia/surgery).

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, in the interventional (odor-enrichment)study, the anesthesia/surgery did not significantly reduce the time themice sniffed the novel block, as compared to the control condition. Asshown in FIG. 12A, during the training phase, there was no significantcorrelation between treatment (control condition and anesthesia/surgery)and times (days) and the escape latency for the mice to identify andenter the target box (escape latency). As shown in FIG. 12B, followingthe odor enrichment, the anesthesia/surgery (black bar) did notsignificantly change the latency of the mice in the anesthesia/surgerygroup in identifying and entering the target box in Barnes maze test ascompared to the control condition about 11 days after theanesthesia/surgery. As shown in FIG. 12C, following exposure to theodor-rich enrichment, the anesthesia/surgery (black bar) did notsignificantly increase the amount of wrong holes the mice in theanesthesia/surgery group searched before identifying and entering theescape box as compared to the control condition (white bar) about 11days after the anesthesia/surgery. Referring to FIG. 12D, followingexposure to the odor-rich enrichment, the anesthesia/surgery (black bar)did not significantly decrease the time the mice in theanesthesia/surgery spent in the target zone (containing the escape box)in the Barnes maze test as compared to the control condition (white bar)about 11 days after the anesthesia/surgery.

Example 3

In another study (the incision study), an incision was made in the feetof the about 5-8 month-old C57BL/6J mice under brief (about 3 minutes)exposure to about 1.4% isoflurane. The mice in a standard environment(SE) group stayed in the home cage. The mice in an enriched environment(EE) group stayed in a cage with color toys, which generated visualstimulation, for about two hours each day. The nociception threshold ineach of the mice was determined by using the methods of nylon von Freyfilaments up to 16 days after the incision. As shown in FIG. 13,enriched environment generally attenuated the incisional pain in mice ascompared to standard environment.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additional embodiments according to aspects of the presentinvention can combine any number of features from any of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

1. A device for selectively providing an odor-rich environment, thedevice comprising: a housing including a central cavity and a pluralityof chambers arranged around the periphery of the central cavity, each ofthe plurality of chambers being configured to store a predefinedfragrance therein and having a respective outlet formed on an outer wallof the housing; and a cover including an exterior surface having a topportion and an exterior sidewall, the cover further including at leastone interior sidewall, the at least one exterior sidewall and at leastone interior side wall forming an outer chamber therebetween, the atleast one interior sidewall forming a generally central inner chambertherebetween, the cover including at least one vent formed on theexterior surface, the outer chamber being configured to slidably engagethe housing such that the cover is configured to move between an openposition and a closed position; wherein (i) responsive to the coverbeing in the open position, the at least one vent is generally adjacentto the outlet of at least one of the plurality of chambers of thehousing, and (ii) responsive to the cover being in the closed position,the exterior surface of the housing is generally adjacent to therespective outlet of at least one of the plurality of chambers of thehousing.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein responsive to the cover beingin the closed position, the cover substantially overlaps each respectiveoutlet of the plurality of chambers of the housing to aid in inhibitingfluid communication between the plurality of chambers and an exterior ofthe device.
 3. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least onefragrance housed in at least one of the plurality of chambers, whereinresponsive to the cover being in the open position, the fragrance isemitted through the at least one vent and at least one respectiveoutlet.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the cover is configured to berotated relative to the housing such that a preselected at least onefragrance is emitted from at least one of the plurality of chambers. 5.The device of claim 4, wherein (i) the plurality of chambers of thehousing includes at least nine chambers and (ii) the at least one ventis at least three vents such that a rotated position of the coverrelative to the housing causes one of at least six predefined fragrancecombinations to be emitted from the device via the at three vents. 6.The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one fragrance includes rose,peppermint, vanilla, ketchup, yeast extract, coffee, onion, driedfungus, soy sauce, strawberry, ginger, pu-erh tea, cumin, honey, oliveoil, chocolate, shrimp, sausage, cucumber, apple, tomato, banana,celery, walnut, garlic, cinnamon, date, white pepper, sweet potato,peppercorn oil, caraway, vinegar, kiwi, shallot, brown sugar, grape,pear, curry, eggplant, fig, carrot, leak, or any combination thereof. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent is a plurality ofvents.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of vents areevenly spaced relative to one another on the exterior surface of thecover to aid in radially distributing the predefined fragrance from atleast one of the plurality of chambers.
 9. The device of claim 3,wherein the housing further includes a plurality of markingscorresponding with each of the plurality of chambers, the plurality ofmarkings being visible when the cover is slidably engaged with thehousing.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality ofmarkings indicates the type of fragrance stored within each of theplurality of chambers.
 11. The device of claim 3, further comprising: abase disposed within the inner chamber of the cover; and a push-pushmechanism positioned within the inner chamber between the top portion ofthe cover and the base, wherein the push-push mechanism is configured totransition the cover between the open position and the closed positionin response to application of force to the top portion of the cover orthe base.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the push-push mechanismincludes a cam, a cam follower, a push rod, and a biasing spring, thecam being coupled to and extending from one of the top portion of thecover or the base to a pivot point positioned on the other of the topportion of the cover and the base, the cam having a cam path, whereinthe cam follower is configured to be disposed within the cam path, thepush rod having a first end coupled to the cam follower and a second endcoupled to the pivot point, the biasing spring being configured to aidin maintaining the cover in either the open position or the closedposition.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover includes aplurality of apertures arranged on a top portion of the cover and aplurality of lights, each of the plurality of lights being visiblethrough the plurality of apertures.
 14. The device of claim 1, whereinthe housing and the cover each have a generally cylindricalconfiguration.
 15. A method for selectively providing an odor richenvironment, comprising: providing a device including a housing, thehousing including a central cavity and a plurality of chambers arrangedaround the periphery of the central cavity, each of the plurality ofchambers having a respective outlet formed on an outer wall of thehousing, at least one fragrance being housed within at least one of theplurality of chambers of the housing, and a cover, the cover includingan exterior surface having a top portion, an exterior sidewall, and aninterior sidewall, the exterior sidewall and the interior side wallforming an outer chamber therebetween, the interior sidewall forming agenerally central inner chamber therebetween, the cover including atleast one vent formed on the exterior surface, the outer chamber beingconfigured to slidably engage the housing; and moving the cover to anopen position such that the at least one vent is generally adjacent tothe respective outlet of at least one of the plurality of chambers ofthe housing, thereby causing the at least one fragrance of at least oneof the plurality of chambers to be emitted through the at least one ventand at least one respective outlet.
 16. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising, moving the cover to a closed position such that the exteriorsurface of the housing is generally adjacent to the respective outlet ofat least one of the plurality of chambers of the housing,
 17. The methodof claim 16, further comprising, subsequent to moving the cover to theopen position, rotating the cover relative to the housing such that apreselected at least one fragrance is emitted from the at least one ventand at least one respective outlet.
 18. The method of claim 15, whereinthe at least one fragrance includes rose, peppermint, vanilla, ketchup,yeast extract, coffee, onion, dried fungus, soy sauce, strawberry,ginger, pu-erh tea, cumin, honey, olive oil, chocolate, shrimp, sausage,cucumber, apple, tomato, banana, celery, walnut, garlic, cinnamon, date,white pepper, sweet potato, peppercorn oil, caraway, vinegar, kiwi,shallot, brown sugar, grape, pear, curry, eggplant, fig, carrot, leak,or any combination thereof.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein thedevice further includes a base disposed within the inner chamber of thecover; and a push-push mechanism positioned within the inner chamberbetween the top portion of the cover and the base, and applying a coverto the cover and/or base to transition the cover between the openposition and the closed position.
 20. A method for preventingpostoperative delirium, postoperative cognitive dysfunction andpostoperative pain of a subject, comprising, administering an odor-richenvironment comprising one or more preselected fragrances to the subjectprior to the subject being administered anesthesia. 21-27. (canceled)